Almost getting there for another car, Don't trip, not ditching my Celica Options

[Random_Stranger]

Guys, I need ideas here. I need a RWD or AWD car. Well not need, but really want, for a next project car while I find help, gather extra funds (might not really be an issue), and undergo GT4 conversion or at the worst case scenario, the engine swap.

The exterior is on it's way and I shall have that on soon enough. But aside from that, the real issue of topic. What car to get.

Looking for something under $4k and staying away from FWD/FF cars. So far, what I have been seeing out there the choices are Nissan 240sx (I loved my old one), Toyota MR2 (AW or SW), Mazda RX7 FC, Toyota Corolla SR5 or GT-S, Mitsubishi GSX, or there is a 1995 Subaru Impreza I could pick up right now for $1500 assuming it is not automatic and not FWD.

What do you suggest? Or is there something else better? I am dying to get another car now, because I don't want to wait until winter break to have my clutch repaired (under warranty, why not?).

This post has been edited by Random_Stranger: Oct 14, 2008 - 11:43 PM

[808celica]

Miata. old school celica supra. old school Z.

[Random_Stranger]

Miata. old school celica supra. old school Z.

You know what? I was considering the Miata. But for what people ask for, I honestly don't think they are worth it. I don't even think what KBB lists the celica at is worth it, except for reliability (which is probably why so high). And there is an old school z I was considering too. The 280, right? I was really really considering. I just realized I have to wait until early 2009 though. Because getting my new hood and bumper is going to need painting. Unless it would be cheaper to just paint the whole car (because it needs a solid color, this metal flake or pearl crap isn't going to cut it and I didn't paint it, I got it like that).

But I want to have an idea before I just rush into getting something and not considered all options. I am looking for something with potential that I may fall in love with, but not so much in mods, especially not the exterior (the thought of owning some cars really tempts me). A 280z would be great stock.

I am not going to lie, I want to learn how to drift. Not because I want to be a bad@$$, not because I love watching initial D (which is why I would personally avoid the corolla unless I got it for $1k), not because I want to be a pro driver/drifter, but because it seems really fun.

[goferris]

get a subaru 2.5rs. Very nice. I want one of these bad LOL. Also aren't all subarus awd? the sw20 would also be nice. I also considered a 240sx for a while and wouldn't mind one as a project. preferably an s14.

[Random_Stranger]

get a subaru 2.5rs. Very nice. I want one of these bad LOL. Also aren't all subarus awd? the sw20 would also be nice. I also considered a 240sx for a while and wouldn't mind one as a project. preferably an s14.

See, if I went 240sx, I wanted to just do S13 (of course with a coupe) and maybe get some rims and then just kinda tune it up for some fun drifting, nothing real serious.


I know Wikipedia isn't the most reliable source of information, but I read that there were like 3 different kinds of Subaru's. There was a 1.8L, and some 2. something engine and another that was the 2. whatever plus turbo. Then that there was FWD and AWD versions, then like 97 they stopped the 1.8L engine, and then after 98 decided to make all Subaru AWD. Not sure how accurate that information is, but I like the stuff there is no hype over, and an Impreza is sounding very tempting, as nobody has one fixed up or even with rims in this town. I could be the first again with another car here. :-D That would get me known, because people are already noticing the Celica. I am not the first in this down to fix one up, but I will be the first to be GT4 exterior, and I am happy to say the first for projectors, and I am also the first in town to sport red rims.

Why does it matter? Because I am 26 with nothing else better to do with my life, as I am not popular with the ladies (dunno why, I am good looking LOL) and waited this long to actually modify a car. I barely started my mods this year and I would like to think I came quite a long way in 1 year.

Anyways, a 2.5RS huh? That sounds interesting. Is that turbo? I know nothing of Subaru, but I hear they make great engines. I know that their engines are funky too, like most euro cars. I guess it is one of those flat engines?


If I could find an SW20 for $4k, I would be happy. Always loved that car and was never allowed to get one because of high mileage. LIttle did we know how reliable a Toyota was at that time. I almost got one once, but I was encouraged to leave by my mom at the time, because the man who owned the lot was making rude comments and I guess came off very racist.

This post has been edited by Random_Stranger: Oct 15, 2008 - 11:30 PM

[darthripley]

go for an AW11 - Supercharged if you can find it.
otherwise the AW11 is head & shoulders above a SW20 as far as handling goes.
i know someone with an Exige & he still misses his AW11 & it was N/A.

you can find a N/A AW11 for under $4k easy, possibly a S/C but there are so many options for engine swaps.
not only that there is about 100% more interior room in an AW11 vs. a Miata.

SW20's for the most part are overpriced for condition imho.

i wouldn't get the Scooby unless you want a tranny made of glass & tinfoil.

[Random_Stranger]

go for an AW11 - Supercharged if you can find it.
otherwise the AW11 is head & shoulders above a SW20 as far as handling goes.
i know someone with an Exige & he still misses his AW11 & it was N/A.

you can find a N/A AW11 for under $4k easy, possibly a S/C but there are so many options for engine swaps.
not only that there is about 100% more interior room in an AW11 vs. a Miata.

SW20's for the most part are overpriced for condition imho.

i wouldn't get the Scooby unless you want a tranny made of glass & tinfoil.

I would be cool on the tranny. There is a guy in town who will repair it for $600, then after that it has a year warranty regardless of how hard you are on it. Because my friend who has a 92 gsx tears his up all the time from launching it and so on. But yeah. I was considering AW11, and I agree with you on SW20.

[Gr1m]

Get a 1st Gen (90-94) Eclipse GSX/Talon TSI AWD.

Cheap, you can build it to be reliable, and amazing aftermarket parts scene. Also, for your area, if you can get it and keep it rust free, when/if you decide to sell it, there are plenty of people who will pay a ton just for the shell.

[Random_Stranger]

Get a 1st Gen (90-94) Eclipse GSX/Talon TSI AWD.

Cheap, you can build it to be reliable, and amazing aftermarket parts scene. Also, for your area, if you can get it and keep it rust free, when/if you decide to sell it, there are plenty of people who will pay a ton just for the shell.

That is true. I have a friend with a 1st gen GSX and he knows a lot about them. I also heard that the 4g63t engine that is inside of it is one of the most (if not the most) bulletproof engine out there. Meaning you can pretty much antilag it, and not fear blowing the engine, because they can take punishment. I also hear that the 4g63t engine is also used in the Evo III. What I wouldn't give for an Evo III, VI, or IX (Well not a GT4, that's for sure, but would like one of those).

[Rayme]

Let me tell you one thing..

If you can get pass the "image" of the miata. They are the BEST driver's car AROUND. Light, nimble, RWD and tons of potential..not to mention they can go topless. My friend had a 2000 miata, and I drove it alot, the way they feel, the build quality, their handling..its like nothing else I ever drove in the price range... all that and reliable to boot!

I'd take a stock miata over ant POS (imo) turbo dsm.

-remy

[parriehunter]

Hey darthripley, you would be best mates with one of my mates he has had 4 aw11's. He just loves the 4AGE's. he now has a fxgt corolla with a 4a.

His ones were not in the best condition, noisy and rattly, quite a bit of rust on some of them but boy did they handle. All his were NA and they weren't that slow either. I main thing i don't like about the 2's is the lack of interior space. But if its not a daily driver (sounds like it wont be) and in good nick i would say they are awesome.

[SeverX13]

Buy an RX7 from an impound lot or like a repo place for like 6g than u have yourself a project car. I think the FC is the newest model? the one thats not square. 1993 and up

[xredjokerx]

sever i think its FD as the latest, and i doubt u can get one of those for under 4k unless theres something horrendously wrong about it (missing engine/trany etc)

i'd say go mr2. either one

[GotToyota]

Get a Miata. They have a fantastic aftermarket, get good gas mileage and are reliable not to mention very fun! And you can take the top off whenever you want to, there are no negatives.

This post has been edited by GotToyota: Oct 23, 2008 - 11:16 PM

[darthripley]

Hey darthripley, you would be best mates with one of my mates he has had 4 aw11's. He just loves the 4AGE's. he now has a fxgt corolla with a 4a.

His ones were not in the best condition, noisy and rattly, quite a bit of rust on some of them but boy did they handle. All his were NA and they weren't that slow either. I main thing i don't like about the 2's is the lack of interior space. But if its not a daily driver (sounds like it wont be) and in good nick i would say they are awesome.

sounds like your mate is my kinda guy!
i love 4age's but more specifically the 4agze - what a great little motor it truly is whether s/c or turbo'd.
i also simply love the Corolla FX's ... the ones with 4age's were called FX16's in the US & are pretty rare as they were only imported for 2 years 87 & 88 here.

there's way more interior space in a AW11 than there is in a Miata, but yeah it can get cramped after awhile.
in Cali you can prolly use a convertible 1000% more than you can here in Tx .. not too many perfect weather days here lol

[Random_Stranger]

Well the idea behind this is that the car is going to be project no.2, only a daily driver during the swap, and later when I can pay and send mine to get the conversion (because I am not touching that). Then I can care less if it is a reliable DD or not.

What was my train of thought? Oh yeah, this is going to be used for drifting (to learn). Are miatas really good drift cars? I would be scared to flip the lil thing over and having my head come out the floorboard. I was considering a Miata, since none are fixed up in this town. It is usually owned in my city by older folks who wanted to treat themselves to a sports car that could go topless, but couldn't exactly afford a Corvette.

I just want something no one else has touched here in this city. To rock it with something unique after the Celica before I say my goodbyes and move onto another city/state.